Children’s Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This is about more than just services
Swindon Borough Council isn't just buying advocacy hours or independent visitor relationships.
They're investing in the voice and rights of children and young people.
Yes, the contract covers 1,200 advocacy hours and maintaining 18 independent visitor (IV) relationships.
But what they're truly after is a partner who can bring these services to life in a way that genuinely impacts children’s lives.
Think about the children, not just the service
The children are at the heart of this contract.
They're not just looking for any advocacy service.
They're looking for a service that places "the voice, wishes and feelings of the child or young person at the centre of decision-making."
If I were writing this bid, I'd focus on how my approach ensures that every child feels heard and understood.
Pay attention to what they say
Swindon Borough Council is clear about their priorities.
They want a service that helps children understand their rights and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.
The council isn't just looking for compliance with statutory requirements.
They're looking for a partner who can navigate complex systems and represent children's views in both statutory and non-statutory processes.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed in the public sector was that many bidders made great promises.
Very few backed them up with evidence.
If you have evidence of past success, use it.
- Case studies showing positive outcomes for children
- Testimonials from children and families
- Data demonstrating your impact on children’s understanding of their rights
Don't underestimate the importance of relationships
Independent Visitors aren't just another service.
They're about building long-term, trusted relationships with children.
Swindon Borough Council wants to see how you will maintain 18 IV relationships at any one time.
I'd be explaining how my recruitment, training and support processes ensure volunteers can build the kind of relationships that promote "confidence, resilience, wellbeing and a sense of belonging."
Show how you'll manage the contract over time
Consistency is key.
The council isn't just interested in what you can deliver now.
They're interested in how you'll maintain service quality over the entire contract term, including potential extensions.
Think about staffing, TUPE implications and how you'll ensure continuity if key team members leave.
Remember who you're trying to convince
This service is for children and young people.
But the decision-makers are Swindon Borough Council.
Think about their concerns:
- Can you effectively manage the advocacy hours and IV relationships?
- Will you provide a service that aligns with their rights-based approach?
- How will you ensure that children’s voices are consistently heard?
Show how you'll make life easier for the Council
Every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
If I were writing this tender, I'd explain how my management processes make life easier for Swindon Borough Council.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too much on the mechanics and not enough on outcomes
- Lack evidence of past success in similar services
- Overlook the importance of building long-term relationships
- Fail to address TUPE implications
- Ignore the council's emphasis on children's rights
- Promise more than can realistically be delivered within the contract value
- Don't clearly outline how service consistency will be maintained
My Final Thoughts
Swindon Borough Council is looking for more than just a service provider.
They're looking for a partner who will place children’s voices at the centre of everything.
With a contract value of £598,500 over up to five years, this is a significant opportunity.
Quality is paramount, and with no lots, it's a single award.
Focus your submission on the real outcomes for children and how you’ll sustain quality throughout the contract duration.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.